The 2023 edition of the USCA Selection Eights kicked off yesterday with three groups. It’s definitely a smaller overall group than expected, with five groups of eight being more of the standard. I suspect the recent AC Worlds and next year’s GC Worlds set for October in the U.S. are having an impact. Top players might be looking to shift more playing time and travel budget to GC to prepare for next fall.
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Robert Fulford in play during the 2023 AC World Championship semifinals at Hurlingham. Photo by Andrew Moss.
Interview: Robert Fulford
In July, croquet players and fans across the world were treated to a captivating WCF Association Croquet World Championship held at Hurlingham and nearby clubs in England. Thanks to daily live streaming, fans were able to watch as England’s Robert Fulford won an unprecedented sixth WCF AC World title in a dramatic final against American Matthew Essick that went to a fifth game.
Read MoreGreat Britain Announces 2023 Solomon Trophy Team
The team representing Great Britain for this year’s Solomon Trophy competition has been announced. The USA versus Great Britain test will be held November 7-12, 2023 at the Sarasota County Croquet Club in Venice, Florida.
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Robert Fulford in play during the semifinals. Photo by Andrew Moss.
Fulford Wins Spectacular Final to Claim Sixth WCF AC World Title
Today’s WCF Association Croquet World Championship final at the Hurlingham Club in London featured a thrilling display of croquet as England’s Robert Fulford battled back from 2-0 to take a 3-2 win over American Matthew Essick by a final of 9-26tp, 9-26tp, 26tp-22, 26tp-0, 26otp-18.
Fulford had the first break in all five games but game three looked relatively bleak for Fulford as Essick set up for a sextuple finish. It did loosen up a bit as the turn progressed, but Essick was looking to end with a straight triple finish before a complication arose at 4B (H10).
Read MoreAC Worlds to Feature Essick vs Fulford Rematch
Rainy conditions at London’s Hurlingham Club didn’t slow down Mathew Essick as he rolled through his semifinal against world #1 Robert Fletcher 26tp-6, 26tp-10, 26tp-0 to advance to his third straight world championship final. Accordingly, five-time WCF AC World Champion Robert Fulford made his way through to the final to set up a repeat of the 2022 Golf Croquet World Championship final.
Read MoreAmericans Advance to AC Worlds Last Four
Two US players have advanced to the 2023 WCF Association Croquet World Championship “Last Four” after working through their matches in relatively quick fashion earlier today. 2020 AC Worlds runner-up Matthew Essick was the first one through dispatching Mark Avery in three games, 26tp-9, 26-13, 26tp-0. Fellow American Tom Balding was next through as he worked past Alain Giraud (ENG) 26-9, 26-9, 26tp-9.
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Tom Balding kept his run going and will face Alain Giraud in the Last Eight. Photo by Andrew Moss.
2023 AC Worlds: Last Eight
Round Two of the WCF Association Croquet World Championships did not disappoint as there was plenty of action at Hurlingham as 16 players took to the courts looking for a chance to advance to the last eight. Here’s a quick summary of the day’s action. World #1 Robert Fletcher (AUS) was the first one through to the Last Eight based on a 3-0 win over #46 Gavin Carter (ENG) with three triples. That kept a streak of 14 straight games with a peeling finish for Fletcherhich means a peeling finish in 14 straight games.
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Tom Balding during the final day of block play at the Dulwich Croquet Club. Photo by Andrew Moss.
2023 Association Croquet World Championship R1
The 2023 WCF Association Croquet World Championship moved into elimination play today with 32 players battling in the first round of the knockout. The event is being held at several clubs near London with Hurlingham as the primary venue. The event runs July 15-23 and continues tomorrow with the quarterfinals.
Read MoreUSCA Selection Committee Announces 2023 Solomon Trophy Team
The United States Croquet Association (USCA) has announced the 2023 team for the upcoming Solomon Trophy, a prestigious team competition between the United States and England. The AC team event showcases the talents of six players from each country competing in test matches. This year, the Solomon Trophy will be hosted at the Sarasota County Croquet Club in Venice, Florida, November 7-12, 2023.
Read MoreLines is the 2023 Women's AC World Champion
In a thrilling match that took place yesterday in Christchurch, New Zealand, England's Debbie Lines emerged victorious as the winner of the 2023 World Croquet Federation Women's AC World Championship. Lines defeated her opponent, Gabrielle Higgins, by a score of 26-3, 19-22, 22-11, in a match that showcased the incredible skill and athleticism of these top-level croquet players.
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